Palin heading to Israel

WASHINGTON (JTA) — Sarah Palin, who is believed to be considering a presidential run in 2012, will visit Israel.

The former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008 will stop in Israel for two days next week on her way back to the United States from a speech she is giving a business group in India.

Palin will meet with the country’s leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and visit its Christian holy sites.

“As the world confronts sweeping changes and new realities, I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the key issues facing his country, our ally Israel,” Palin told CNN.

Jewish figures close to Palin said last year that she was considering a designated trip to Israel, but then quietly quashed the reports.

The potential presidential contender would join other GOP hopefuls, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who have made recent visits to Israel.